On February 8, the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) issued a new emergency rule modifying the regulatory requirements for a single bed certification. The emergency rule clarifies that a patient with a less restrictive alternative order (LRA) or conditional release revocation may receive timely and appropriate mental health treatment under a single bed certification in a facility that is not certified as an evaluation and treatment (E&T) facility.
The change was necessary because some courts were not recognizing single bed certifications for patients who have an LRA or conditional release revoked. See WSHA’s bulletin for more information. WSHA had expressed support to DSHS staff in fixing this oversight for single bed certifications. (Sheena Tomar)
